8 Winter 2024 8 Winter 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A wrap Stephen Wood A wrap. Time to start heading back south after weeks cycling. Bike packed for this afternoon’s bus trip. ©2024 Stephen Wood Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 15

1 Spring 2022 1 Spring 2022 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption A national network 
of qualified testing officers NZ Lifestyle Camping NZ Lifestyle Camping is proud to support NZ campers with a national network of 160 qualified testing officers from Keri Keri to Invercargill. You don’t have to belong to any club to get a self containment check done. If you need to get a self containment check done please contact one our friendly and approachable team. To find out more or check out the latest listings visit www.nzlifestylecamping.com We are committed to supporting NZ campers and the Leisure Camping industry. We are also actively lobbying Government on your behalf to ensure we secure a fair and sustainable leisure camping industry. Don't get caught out by misinformation. The current 4 year NZ Standard for certified self containment NZS 5465:2001 is the standard being used by the NZ leisure camping industry. As we head towards Summer the industry gets super busy. Please get in early to ensure your vehicle servicing is done, well in time, before your trip starts. Gary Stoneley, Managing Director, NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd. Note: NZ Lifestyle Camping has a standard fee of $45 to cover costs of issuing the required documentation and maintaining our national network. It is also expected that the testing officer will charge for their time. Up Up 1 Spring 2022 , p 32

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Quinney's Bush ©2024 All Points Camping Club All Points Camping Club of NZ All Points Camping ALL POINTS CAMPING CLUB of NZ We are proud to sponsor this issue of Camping the Kiwi Way Brought to you by NZ’s inclusive, friendly, camping club, for your reading pleasure. Family membership to the All Points Camping Club gives you: ✶ Membership support ✶ Friendly, inclusive camping events ✶ Nationwide savings ✶ Lobbying support for campers’ rights. You don’t have to have a self-contained vehicle to join.You don’t have to be a member to come to our events.It ’s more than just a club, it’s like one big family. Come along to one of our events near you.Bring the tent, bring the kids. Image: ©2024 Margaret Earle Join now only $35NZ’s national camping club Join here: www.allpointscampingnz.org ✶ When the benefits far exceed the cost you’d be crazy not to take it up. ✶ Our values: compassion, inclusion, support and encouragement Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 40

6 Summer 2023 6 Summer 2023 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption event-morisons-grahamleslie_mw.webp event-motukarara_mw.webp event-campfest.webp event-campfest04722_mw.webp event-mtsomers_mw.webp event-MWF+Fest+2023_mw.webp event-orton_mw.webp event-oxford_mw.webp event-waikato_mw.webp event-waimate2_mw.webp event-whanganui_mw.webp EVENTS — Camping Editor Join up with others and go camping. Oxford Pre-xmas Farm Stay 8–10 Dec, Fri, Oxford, Nth Canterbury Run away with us. Avoid the Christmas shopping a little longer (or see if the Oxford Farmers Market will fill out your list). Children and pets welcome. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/oxford-xmas | ckw.nz/oxford-rsvp Pre Christmas Fun 8–10 Dec , Fri, Arapuni, Sth Waikato Relax before the craziness of Xmas. Kayaking, swimming, bush walks, cycling, glow worms, campfires and more. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/arapuni-camp   |   ckw.nz/arapuni-rsvp Christmas/New Year in the Park 24 Dec–2 Ja n, Motukarara, Canterbury Come for a cuppa, a day, a night, relax for a week at Waihora Domain! All welcome. Water, toilets, playground, rail trail, horse racing 29th. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/motukarara-xmas | ckw.nz/motukarara-rsvp Whanganui Vintage Weekend camp 19–22 January , Fri, Wanganui, Region Markets, vintage car display, bands and other events. Camp in the city. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/vintage23-camp | ckw.nz/vintage23-rsvp Waimate Getaway! 26–28 Jan , Fri, Waimate, Sth Canterbury Join us at this hidden jewel, Knottingley Park & Arboretum. Pet friendly. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/waimate-getaway | ckw.nz/waimate-rsvp Camp at Morison’s Bush 2–6 Feb , Fri, Martinborough, South Wairarapa Camp under manukau trees by the Ruamahanga river for Waitangi weekend. Swimming, fishing, visit the Martinborough Fair. Dogs on leads. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/morisons-feb23 | ckw.nz/morisons23-rsvp Campfest 2024 9–11 Feb , Fri, Bulls, Rangitikei An incred-i-bull family venue: join us for a fun camping weekend with a market, walking distance to shops and cafes. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/campfest-24 | ckw.nz/campfest-24-rsvp Marlborough Wine and Food Festival Camp 9–12 Feb , Fri, Waihopai Valley, Marlborough Camp the weekend and visit the biennial wine and food festival on Saturday, just a 15 min drive away. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/waihopai-camp | ckw.nz/waihopai-rsvp A weekend at Orton Bradley Park 23–25 Feb , Fri, Charteris Bay, Canterbury Cast a line, have a round of golf or tennis or just relax at Charteris Bay, at the lovely Orton Bradley Park. No pets. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/orton-feb23ckw.nz/orton-feb23-rsvp Mount Somers in Summer 22–24 March , Mt Somers, Canterbury Explore this picturesque region from the Holiday Park. Dogs on leads. All Points Camping Club. ckw.nz/mtsomers-mar23ckw.nz/mtsomers-mar23-rsvp For more camps keep an eye on l allpointscampingnz.org/events l ckw.nz/nzfunadventures-events (FB) Up Up 6 Summer 2023 , p 35

7 Autumn 2024 7 Autumn 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption Freedom camping at Bendigo, Lake Dunstan ©2024 Andrew Morton Remember JUNE 6: 2024 & 2025 So you want to freedom camp Miriam Richardson We are in a transition period from the old ‘blue’ warrant system to a new ‘green’ warrant system. The transition period is set to expire 7 June ’25 † . There is a small possibility that the Minister might choose to extend the transition period; the law allows this until 7/6/27 † . It could help, with so many needing to be certfied by so few. Some (but not all) can freedom camp with their blue warrants during the transition period ( more ) . At the end of the transiton period green warrant cards will be required for anyone freedom camping. See note at the end for more on ‘blue’ and ‘green’ warrants. Can you actually go green? The new system is not yet ready to do the job. As at Feb ’24 only 29 can do this work in the whole of the country . This is so spectacularly inadequate, that it has been estimated that those 29 would need to certify 260 vehicles a day to get everyone through before the 2025 end of the transition period. Further, the rental motorhome fleets all have to be recertified before 7 Dec this year, which will leave little opportunity for us. When can you or I choose to re-certify for a green warrant? Unknown. Might your blue warrant expire before you have a chance to get a green warrant? This is a distinct possibility. Check your expiry date and give that some thought. What upgrades must you do? We are faced with making bizarre and expensive modifications before we can be certified green. It is possible, but not at all certain, that some of these regulations might fall to commonsense, in a revision process that could take as long as 6 months ‡ . There is an advantage if we can delay upgrading and going green until the outcome is clear. It is worth considering renewing your blue warrant before 7 Jun ’24 to extend your personal transition time to the maximum, a transition-end date of Jun ’25 (or later, if the transition period were to be extended). 7 June: A last chance for new blue or renew 7 June ‘24 is the last day you can renew (or get a new) blue warrant with a fixed toilet, and use it for freedom camping during the transition period. After that, only a new green warrant can be issued for freedom camping. Which is you? What are your choices if you want to freedom camp? Self-contained with a blue warrant and a fixed toilet Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant before your blue warrant expires or transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements ( ckw.nz/go-green ). RENEW YOUR BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24 to maximise the transition time, and in case your blue warrant expires before you can get a green warrant. THEN do any upgrades required and GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Self-contained with a blue warrant and a portable toilet Once your blue warrant expires you cannot freedom camp with a portable toilet ‡ (you need a blue warrant, issued before 7/6/23, not yet expired). You need to install a fixed toilet ‡ (true for blue, probable for green ‡ ) Upgrade to a fixed toilet and RENEW YOUR BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24. THEN do any other upgrades required to GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant before your blue warrant expires or transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Fixed toilet, not yet self-contained GET A NEW BLUE warrant before 7 Jun ’24. This will allow you to freedom camp until transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). THEN do any other upgrades required to GET A GREEN warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and GET A GREEN warrant now. A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Portable toilet, not yet self-contained You need to install a fixed toilet ‡ (true for blue, probable for green ‡ ). Upgrade to a fixed toilet and get a new blue warrant before 7 Jun ’24. This will allow you to freedom camp until transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). THEN do any other required upgrades to get a green warrant before transition-end (likely 7 Jun ‘25 † ). Upgrade and get a green warrant now. A fixed toilet is just one of the requirements: ckw.nz/going-green ). Why extend your transition time There are too few certifiers and inspectors to meet the current need. There may be no inspectors in your area. If your blue warrant expires before you can get a green warrant, you are barred from freedom camping. The regulations might be updated in the next 6–8 months to change requirements; wait until it is clear. There might be so many people wanting parts and services at the same time that upgrading may be both difficult and slow. The transition period might be extended as long as 2 years. It will be so expensive! Another year before paying the new fees is a bonus. Just get it done! Get it off your mind, and go freedom camp. Save the cost and effort of an interim blue warrant. Get ahead of the rush for the parts and the professionals to install them. Get ahead of any last minute rush for certification. Accept that the upgrade costs might turn out to be unnecessary. Important dates 7 June ‘24 Last chance for a new or renewed blue warrant you can use to freedom camp. TRANSITION-END 7 June ‘25 ( unless it’s extended) 7/6/25 is the intended end of the transition period. GREEN WARRANTs ARE then required But the transition-end could be delayed. 7 June ‘27 is the end of the longest possible delay. NOTES Certified blue: a blue warrant card; certified to the NZ Standard, Self containment of motor caravans and caravans (NZS 5465:2001. The old, existing system. (pdf). Certified green: a green warrant card; certified to new regulations ( ckw.nz/go-green ). The new system. ‡ Efforts to overturn the ‘fixed toilet’ regulation continue. This was promised by National on the campaign trail. References here to the need for a fixed toilet for a green warrant will become obsolete if these efforts succeed. † The transition period started 7 Jun 2023 and is set to expire 7 Jun 2025 (transition-end: 7 Jun ‘25). The legislation allows for the transition period to be extended. The Minister can set any length extension, to, at the latest, 7/6/27, an extra 2 years (transition-end would be 7 Jun ‘27). Given the logistical problems in the implementation of the new system, the Minister might choose to do this. Articles in this issue on the freedom camping law changes: Predictable problems with the new CSC green warrant system (p2) Editorial (p3) Self-containment warrant cards: Which one is yours? (p6) So you want to freedom camp (p8) What is ‘self-contained’, anyway? (p10) Enforcement of freedom camping rules (p12) I am not freedom camping' cards (p14) Do your bit: Task of the week (p16) No more freedom camping (p16) Kaikōura: the freedom camping Wild West (p18) Hey NZ Govt? You are messing with my mental health (p20) 7 days a week (p21) Celebrating Summer (p5) Up Up 7 Autumn 2024 , p 8

Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption winter_H1.webp GO TO CHILLY CHILLY CHILLY OUT THERE first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before Winter in the Tararuas for first time trampers Jono Collins New Zealand Fun Adventures Our group tramp to Atiwhakatu Hut in the Tararua Ranges was full of first-time hikers that had never stayed in a hut before. We were excited to have a big range of ages attending as well, with parents walking in with kids, through to grandparents enjoying getting outdoors again on an overnight adventure. The walk was around 7km of beautiful native trees and the well-formed track crossed over lots of streams along the way. For a lot it was an opportunity to try out new gear or learn to use things for the first time like gas cookers, sleeping mats or warm winter clothing. NZ Fun Adventures Camping were there to help everyone get set up if needed, and to ensure they had an enjoyable trip. Jono, who created the opportunity, carried in 20kgs of manuka firewood to enjoy, which meant the wood-burner got started and in no time had the hut toasty and warm. Meal time was a real treat as well seeing what everyone had carried in on the trip. We had braised short ribs on a bed of cheesy mash, steak and veggies, curries, deserts and of course 2 minute noodles ( photos ). We had the hut to ourselves for the night, as we booked and filled it, which allowed for plenty of card games and puzzles. Jono took the kids out to make boats out of leaves and sticks which were raced down a shallow stream behind the hut. Overall this was a big success at helping new people get outdoors tramping in a fun and encouraging way. If you would like to know more about attending one of these Fun Adventure events you can find out more by visiting our website nzfunadventures.co.nz and joining us on Facebook . 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 23

An El Niño summer gives a sterner edge to commonsense precautions. Caught in the middle or a camper upgrade? Encourage the small towns to love us. Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Editorial Up Miriam Richardson An El Niño summer It seems we are having an El Niño summer. Hotter, windier, dryer north and east, wetter in the west; dramatic temperature swings, and extreme, possibly damaging winds. This weather demands our attention as we head into our prime summer camping season. Are the roads ok? Will the wind be ok for driving? Will it be safe near that tree, that branch, with this wind forecast? Should I carry extra water? What is the fire risk? These are questions for every trip, but El Niño gives them a sterner edge. Having reserve supplies of all kinds in case you get stranded (fuel, meds, water &c) might be becoming basic commonsense. Radio is your emergency friend where mobiles won’t work. The government gives us some tools to help: NZTA highway conditions  ckw.nz/road Met Service weather warnings  ckw.nz/weather NIWA fire weather  ckw.nz/fire Radio frequencies  ckw.nz/radio Caught in the middle For those caught in the middle with their campervans and self-containment, you have tough choices, with freedom camping dodgy at best. Councils are just learning how to enforce the new, inadequate law, some traditional places are off limits as necessary new bylaws havent had time to go through. It’s confusing and disappointing on many fronts. So we just have to throw our hearts over, and find the best way we can to enjoy our country, our summer, our camping. All creative solutions to the conundrums are welcome — do please share it with us all. Encourage the small towns to love us Park considerately. Leave the space tidier than when you arrived. Spend some money, visit their attractions, walk and bike their tracks, appreciate their views and share their joy. They could well build and shape a positive free-camping future for us all if we inspire them to do so. Tiaki mai. Kindly sponsored by All Points Camping Club of NZ and NZ Lifestyle Camping More on Freedom camping and self-containment: The freedom camping law needs to change Self-containment certification: which one is yours? What to do? Upgrade? Wait? Editorial — Caught in the middle Who is advocating for NZers who camp? There’s no need to rush this summer NZ’s independent national network for certification Up Up 1/1

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram ©2024 Heather Auckram I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle, the dog 
and hit the road A night in an arboretum Heather Auckram After weeks of frost, followed by icy winds and rain, the sun finally shone. I filled the fridge, tossed in some clothes, a hot water bottle and the dog and hit the road. First stop was the Alex McKenzie Park & Arboretum just 2km south of the farm-servicing town of Otautau in western Southland. The grassy area still had a film of water shining on it, so I parked on the gravel for our sleepover. Loki dog and I walked the 20 minute loop through the orchard and trees, listening to the birds and the rustle of the leaves, which was the calm we needed. The Arboretum has two clean toilets and dogs are welcome as long as they are controlled as it is a popular place for walkers and picnickers. During the drier months tents of all sizes and colour can be seen pitched in the shade of the trees. The night was dark, so we went to bed early and listened to the morepork, night birds, opossum and occasional passing truck on the nearby road while we rested. The Arboretum is cared for by volunteers and they appreciate a small donation dropped in the yellow box. ◼️ Images ©2024 Heather Auckram Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 15

12 Winter 2025 ISSUE 12 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption An angler on the Tongariro River ©DOC Slab Creek Hut ©DOC Usha the ruru ©South Island Wildlife Hospital GO TO Chilly chilly chilly out there DOC update DOC New licence system for Taup ō trout fishery Purchasing fishing licences for the Taupō Trout Fishery will be easier under a new licence sales system that began in June.Image:An angler on the Tongariro River ©DOC ckw.nz/trout-taupo Rare slab hut refurbishment keeps traditional ways alive A refurbishment of the West Coast’s Slaty Creek Hut has served as a catalyst for rangers to learn about wood working methods used by pioneers. Image: Slab Creek Hut ©DOC ckw.nz/slab-hut Fossicking rules broken as gold fever strikes West Coast DOC Rangers are concerned that gold fossickers breaking rules are potentially threatening the stability of the Slab Hut Creek Campsite, south of Reefton on the West Coast. There have been problems with fossickers mining into the creek bank which could result in the creek eroding into the campground. ckw.nz/slab-hut-gold Watch out for ruru/morepork DOC is reminding the public to keep an eye out for ruru with five injured or sick birds from the West Coast being cared for in the past month. ckw.nz/ruru Image : Usha the ruru ©South Island Wildlife Hospital 🏕️ Up Up 12 Winter 2025 , p 32

9 Spring 2024 Spring 2024 ISSUE 9 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson ©2024 M Richardson I am perched on the shoulder of a god On the shoulder of a god Miriam Richardson It was August when I set off from Ōtaki for a few nights on Mt Taranaki. This was before my campervan days, so I was booked in to The Camphouse, high on Mt Taranaki in the National Park. Although there is a sealed road to The Camphouse, like other DOC tramping huts I was booking just a bed and mattress in a bunk house. Apart from some late night hoons in the carpark I had the place mostly to myself. I had a great view of Mt Ngāuruhoe on my first day there, though it was invisible for the rest of my stay. On the shoulder of a god I feel the last of the sun’s winter warmth in the macrocarpa seat Squint a little in the bright snow-light Watch my black footprints soften in the snow Listen to a drip from the roof a faint gurgle in the drainpipe corrugated iron ticking in the sun. I am so high up I see a storm ride from land to sea swallowing the broad curve of coast. I see our civilisation shrink —nothing more than a patchwork quilt moulded to the curves and hollows of the plain, dotted with bright beads and sequins. I’m perched on the shoulder of a god. Beyond, on the white plateau another god, pale pink and mauve,rides my horizon. I still struggle to accept that anything so large can so completely disappear. Thankfully Taranaki didn’t disappear on me. There are several day-walks from the hut. You must book online with DOC for this hut. Your booking gives you an unlock code, to obtain a key. There are locked boxes at the visitors’ centre below the Camphouse that hold the keys.tip: Take a torch. If you can do without your privacy for a night or two, you get an easy access, fantastic base to explore the mountain, with spectacular views, and, if the gods are kind, views of Ruapehu and Ngāuruhoe. ◼️ More: ckw.nz/camphouse Images ©2024 Miriam Richardson Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 19

Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up Fire safety: Caravans and sleep-outs Up Fire and Emergency New Zealand Caravans and sleep-outs are great fun, but they also carry a much greater risk of fire than a traditional home. These tips will help keep you safe: Every caravan should be fitted with a long-life photoelectric smoke alarm. Never leave children alone in your caravan. Keep matches and lighters out of their reach. Have a fire extinguisher or fire blanket near the exit and make sure you know how to use it. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation. Lighting and heating Use proper lighting units or torches. Don’t use candles as they may start a fire . Used fixed heaters only. Make sure furniture and fittings are at least 1 meter from any heaters. Oil column heaters or fan heaters with a cut off switch are the safest. Appliances and gas cylinders Check electrical appliances for frayed cords and other damage. Caravans should also have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness. Caravans and sleep-outs often use gas cylinders to fuel cooking. Make sure you read our tips on using gas cylinders safely to reduce your risk of fire [ see p24 for BBQ tips Ed]. Always ensure there is adequate ventilation when using a gas cylinder in or near a caravans or sleep-out. Smoke alarms Because caravans and sleepouts usually only have one door and few window openings, it’s especially important to make sure you have working smoke alarms installed, and that you’re testing them regularly. Caravans and sleep-outs are often small, so it might be necessary to install a smoke alarm near a cooking area. To avoid false alarms, use the silence feature to put the smoke alarm into a ‘hold’ status when you’re cooking. Press the button before you start cooking to silence the alarm for a pre-set period of time, between 8 and 15 minutes depending on the brand. S ource: ckw.nz/caravans © Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Creative Commons (CC-BY-NC-ND) More: Fire blankets More: Lithium-ion battery safety More: Do you need a permit for your BBQ? (Gas & charcoal) Up Up fire-fenz-logo-64.png fire-blanket_mw.webp fire-fenz-logo-64.png 1/2

9 Spring 2024 9 Spring 2024 BUY AUTHOR INDEX AUTHORS Click on image for full view and caption From the rvbooks.co,au website From the rvbooks.co,au website © Barry Davidson © Collyn RIvers, rvbooks.co,au Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Buying used caravans Collyn Rivers Helpful tools when conducting a used caravan inspection include a torch, a damp meter, a ladder and a tape measure. If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Is your tow vehicle capable of towing this caravan? While many do so (but may then regret it) it is safer to keep the weight of the caravan to that of the towing vehicle. The first thing to check is the caravan‘s approximate empty weight. It’s so-called Tare Mass (i.e. weight) is likely to be shown on a plate attached to its chassis. It is unlikely to be accurate but gives you a rough idea. A typical caravan‘s fully loaded weight is usually 200–300 kg (440–660 lb) higher. The required tow ball mass is about 10% of that laden weight, Check if that is within your tow vehicle’s ability. More on p13, Towing your caravan Background & documentation Is the caravan‘s size, style and layout suitable for your needs? Who made the caravan — and when? What is the previous ownership history? Where has the caravan been kept and where has it been (if known)? Does the manufacturer still exist and are spare parts for this caravan still available? What documentation is provided with the caravan — you really need a weigh bridge certificate, gas certificate and electrical certificate. Does the caravan‘s VIN plate match with the documentation provided? Is there a service history and are instruction manuals for the caravan and major items available? Does it have a wood or aluminium frame? Is the caravan‘s condition reasonably consistent with its age? Checking the exterior Are there any signs of repairs, scratches, dents, hail damage, bowing, repainting? Is there any sealant around the windows (a give-away that there may be water leakage)? Check that all windows open and close and are in good condition. Check under the caravan for axle or suspension rusting or damage, cracks or deformation. Are the water tanks, wiring and lighting in good condition? Does the caravan look as though it has been off-road? Tyres: do the tyres have ample tread. How old are they (no matter if barely worn, a tyre’s maximum life is 7–10 years. If older, they will need replacing. Are the correct tyres fitted (refer to the compliance plate re their correct size). Is there a spare tyre? © Barry Davidson Checking the interior Is there any smell of dampness (or use of chemicals) to disguise that and/or other smells? Are there any signs of ants or other insects inside the caravan? Ants are a giveaway — they are attracted by damp or rotting wood. If there is any sign of ants the caravan timber may be rotting. Or there may be a water leak. Check walls, ceiling and bench tops carefully (especially around windows and ventilation hatches). Look for dampness, discolouration, bulges, scratches, indents, holes or evidence of repainting or repair. Cupboards: check for daylight between cupboards and walls, loose or missing screws, doors not opening or closing or broken latches. Check for any damage to beds, mattress and storage area. Is the hob/grill/oven/microwave/fridge clean and working? If there is an ensuite check that it is in good condition, e.g. is toilet/shower/hot water working? Are there any signs of leaking, mould or poor ventilation? Pop tops: check the roof can be raised and lowered easily, that all struts are in good condition and that any canvas is not damaged or discoloured. Check the door opens, closes and locks as intended. How many keys are provided? Awning: if there is an awning, check that it opens and closes properly and check its canvas condition. Be realistic about what to expect for the van’s age, but do not be afraid to ask the seller to correct any minor matters prior to sale. If the problem appears significant, look elsewhere. There are always others for sale! What to check – general A-Frame: Is the tow hitch in good condition? Is electrical wiring present and in good condition? Is the handbrake, chains, jockey wheel present and working? If it is safely possible, inspect the roof for leaks, tree/branch, solar module and TV aerial damage. Check that all electrics (including battery) are in good condition and that all lights and appliances work. Check the condition of gas bottles, regulator and piping. ◼️ Buying used Caravan – what to check has been prepared with the kind support of the Caravan Council of Australia. Reproduced with permission. Collyn has a book on buying a caravan or motorhome. Appendix 4 includes a checklist: on Amazon Up Up 9 Spring 2024 , p 20